grimm – procrastinationchronicles.com

breaking up is hard to do

March 29, 2017 No Comments

With the wrapping up of Grimm and Bones, two shows that I quite enjoyed but abandoned along the way, made me start doing another think on shows that had once be enjoyed (some making my favorite tv of the year lists) and had to be given up along the way. Real estate for tv shows these days is limited so though I like to give some a long leash eventually the cost (time)/benefit (enjoyment) needs to hit a reality check.

The 100 (CW) – This pretty teens style CW show really developed into an interesting post-apocalyptic take but after a mixed season last year (as well as some unfortunately cast cuts) this year’s latest impending doom just couldn’t keep my interest.
The Blacklist (NBC) – I was never a fan of Elizabeth and as all the drama revolves around her it was always a matter as to whether Red and the others could balance that out, and when things turned to Elizabeth and her baby I couldn’t take it anymore, I wish they had killed her off.
Empire (Fox) – I love a fun soapy show and the musical angle on this just made it that much more fun, but these all seem to have a shelf life, no matter how much I enjoy the characters there’s a limit to how many circles of drama can keep me engaged.
The Outsiders (WGN) – This captured a little of the spirit of the total chaos of Sons of Anarchy with the wild folks in the woods but turned out to be too much of a mixed bag to keep it in the lineup.
Sleepy Hollow (Fox) – The first season of this was what’s been described as ‘bonkers awesome’ and then while they continued to struggle with how to manage the stories and supporting cast the key was always the chemistry between the two leads, and when they decided to nix one of the two in a reboot that was it for me.
The Walking Dead (AMC) – Ok, so the drama here was usually a good balance of zombie chaos outshone by drama and violence of the more human kind but somehow eventually managed to undermine the characters and my patience in sticking through some of the downs for more sparing ups.

And some previous drops Awkward, Grey’s Anatomy, Last Man on Earth, Major Crimes, Modern Family, Nashville, Suits and my most controversial Breaking Bad following season 2 (I am tempted to go back and see if I would have turned back around on this).

new and noteworthy tv: 3/27-4/2

March 26, 2017 No Comments

Have been investigating the Amazon Prime offerings for both half hour shows that are good for watching at the gym (Transparent, Catastrophe, One Mississippi, Fleabag, and now Bored to Death) as well as hour longs to keep in the queue after I take care of The Wire (which will take a bit).

Bones/Grimm (Fox/NBC) Series Finales, Tuesday/Friday, 9/8pm – Two series that I abandoned are wrapping their runs but I’ll remember the early years fondly.
Rebel (BET) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – John Singleton directs this look at a PI dealing with dirty cops and personal drama.
Harlots (Hulu) Series Premiere, Wednesday – 18th century London brothel owner and mother has some tough and courtly battles ahead, some initial positive buzz.
Imaginary Mary (ABC) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 8:30 – Jenna Elfman returns to comedy in a role that has her in a new relationship that somehow triggers the return of an imaginary friend, not all that promising but perhaps a look.
Nobodies (TVL) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone bring a Groundlings created series of a three trying to get a script made in Hollywood, a preview of the first had some potential but I was a little bit over the awkward misfits making things worse for selves.
13 Reasons Why (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – This look back at a girl who commits suicide through audio tapes she’s left has some initial positive talk though sounds like there might be some inconsistency in the full run.
Academy of Country Music Awards (CBS) Sunday, 8pm – Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley host.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

procrastinator’s bubble shows

May 5, 2015 No Comments

As we wait for fall tv schedules to be announced and final cancellations to come in (upfronts are scheduled to start next week), I have to admit that I’m almost looking forward to cancellations. My backlog gets to be sort of daunting, and of course new shows will come out in the fall. So some of the shows that I’m tempted to give up on could use a little push. Though the wind could change based on scheduling or a good run, following are some of the things that might no longer make the cut.

2 Broke Girls (CBS) Renewed – This show is one that I find almost funny, and although I don’t have a season pass of it, when I’m looking for a half hour I somehow seem to keep tuning back in, chances of dropping are moderate.
American Crime (ABC) TBD – I only watched the first couple and was intrigued but wary, a cancellation might keep this backlog off my to do list to see if it’s worthwhile, chances of dropping are high.
Bones (Fox) TBD – Once upon a time I quite enjoyed this procedural and I still enjoy many of these characters enough, but it’s kind of done and not sure I’d feel terrible about letting this go the way of Castle (which I’ve already dropped), chances of dropping are high.
Broadchurch (BBCA) Renewed – I just wrapped up this season, and it was one of the shows that I enjoyed but kind of found myself checking how many minutes of the show were left, I’ll be tempted to tune back in to the premiere to see what the new season story line/mystery will be, chances of dropping are moderate.
Grimm (NBC) Renewed – This show was kind of fun for a while but I’m kind of over the monster of the week and all the interpersonal drama has worn itself out (I love it when most characters get a chance to go bad but not digging Juliet’s current vibe), chances of dropping are high.
The Last Man on Earth (Fox) Renewed – While the pilot was a treat this show quickly became about how annoying Phil could be, I’m short the last two of the season which could determine whether I’m intrigued by the current direction, chances of dropping are moderate.
Madam Secretary (CBS) Renewed – This show is fine, it’s just quite predictable that she’ll face a dire situation each week and come out of it morally intact, and it just comes across as not as good as The Good Wife, but it still works, chances of dropping are low.
The Mindy Project (Fox) TBD – I’ve quite enjoyed some of these episodes but just didn’t love this last season, not sure whether this ongoing pregnancy story line will continue to waylay the laughs but I’ll probably check in, chances of dropping are low.
Sleepy Hollow (Fox) Renewed – The first season of this show was so fun, while the second season did everything it could to keep us mired in the more tedious aspects and characters, I think this new season is sort of another fresh start so worth checking, chances of dropping are low.
Undateable (NBC) TBD – Another half hour that has some potential and started when there was’t a ton on, it just doesn’t quite keep me laughing enough to warrant it being on the to do list, chances of dropping are high.

There are tons of sites that track status of things, here are a couple: TVLine and Metacritic. Anything you’re looking to let go?

my schedule

November 7, 2014 No Comments

A pretty dismal season for television so far though one or two options still might make the cut. Still waiting for State of Affairs but until then, here’s where I’m at:

Monday

8pm – Gotham (Fox)
9pm – Sleepy Hollow (Fox)
10pm – Blacklist (NBC)

The jury is still somewhat out on Gotham but there’s enough interesting about it that it’s still sticking for now. And returning series remind me that there were better shows last year, Hollow is still bonkers but super fun, Spader still makes it.

Tuesday

8pm – ~~Selfie~~ (ABC)
9pm – SHIELD (ABC) / New Girl/Mindy Project (Fox) / Marry Me/About a Boy (NBC)

Happy to keep some of these comedies around, actors are likable enough for me to keep for now, and Shield has been finding some new rhythms though I oppose a triple booking I am deferring a cut with On Demand.

Wednesday

8pm – The Middle (ABC) / The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
9pm – The 100 (CW)

Ok, I’m not totally sold on Laura but it’s a decent enough filler for now while Middle and 100 are still keeping me in.

Thursday

8pm – Bones (Fox) / Big Bang Theory/Mom (CBS)
10pm – Elementary (CBS) / Parenthood (NBC)

I really am almost done with Bones but it’s still a decent procedural and keeping up with the rest of the regulars.

Friday

9pm – Grimm (NBC) / ANTM (CW)
10pm – ~~Constantine~~ (NBC)

After two Constantines I’m not sold but still don’t feel like I have a feel for the week to week, it’s a good pair with the solid freak of the week on Grimm and yes the models, last year’s addition of boys was a welcome one.

Sunday

8pm – Madam Secretary (CBS) / Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)
9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)

Secretary still sort of comes across like the poor man’s version of West Wing crossed with Good Wife (which is still fantastic) but even a poor man’s version keeps me in so far and Brooklyn still keeps me amused.

And for the cable fodder: Benched (USA), Ink Master (Spike), The League (Fxx), Project Runway (Life), Sons of Anarchy (Fx), Z Nation (Syfy)

What’s in your queue?

Update: Selfie is cancelled and Constantine no longer made the cut.

new and noteworthy tv: 10/20-10/26

October 18, 2014 No Comments

In addition to freaky Friday watching I’ll do a little dabble back into Millers and 100. And potentially the new Runway spin of teen fashion creation, apparently each week new contestants. And go Giants!

Monday: The Millers, Season Premiere (CBS, 8:30pm), American Dad, Season Premiere (TBS, 9pm)
Tuesday: World Series (Fox, 5pm), True Tori, Season Premiere (Life, 9pm), Real Husbands of Hollywood, Season Premiere (BET, 10pm)
Wednesday: The 100, Season Premiere (CW, 9pm), Web Therapy, Season Premiere (Show, 11pm)
Thursday: Surgeon Oz, Series Premiere (OWN, 10pm), Tamar & Vince, Season Premiere (WE, 10pm), Project Runway: Threads, Series Premiere (Life, 10:30pm)
Friday: Alpha House, Season Premiere (Am, 12:01am), Grimm/Constantine, Season/Series Premieres (NBC, 9/10pm), Edge of Alaska, Series Premiere (Disc, 10pm)
Sunday: Death Comes to Pemberley, Miniseries Premiere (PBS, 9pm)

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

returning fall favorites

September 9, 2014 No Comments

the-good-wife

Well we’re easing into it but I think we can officially categorize post Labor Day September as fall. And while I’m still waiting for a little more info on new shows to see what I’m most excited about there are some returning favorites already queued up with a season pass.

The League (Fxx, 10/3) – This is one of those off color Fx (now Fxx) series that has sort of grown on me, people who are so wrong it’s right, no football appreciation required (if you like It’s Always Sunny this is a nice pairing).
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/9) – This show has had some uneven spots but watching the interpersonal drama, and admittedly the significant violence, and who’s lying, Jax, makes it a can’t miss to see where our favorite motorcycle gang ends up.
New Girl/The Mindy Project (Fox, 9/16) – Both of these shows have improved with time and with fleshing out the ensemble, they make me laugh enough.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/21) – Last season this show really demonstrated how to shake up a longer term series, and still hold on to what makes it special; still has the best balance of weekly cases with the personal and political drama where I’m interested in what everyone is doing.
Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 9/22) – One of the critics I read dubbed this show ‘bonkers awesome’ and she’s right, it’s a ridiculous premise but the fast pace and main character dynamics keep it oh so interesting and did I mention headless horseman ridiculous?
The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – This one is really all about James Spader and fortunately that’s enough to keep this criminal with unclear motives catching bad guys on his list interesting.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/22) – They’ve done a pretty good job keeping what could be a one note show going, adding to the ensemble and growing the characters a bit, but keeping the mockery in top form.
Parenthood (NBC, 9/25) – As we enter the final season we can assume that the Braverman family will not be drama free and while I haven’t loved every story arc I’ve come to be invested, plus I would follow Lauren Graham and Peter Krause anywhere.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/28) – The latest addition to funny, again finding the balance of the could be annoying main character Samberg has been key but it’s really the ensemble with the amazing Andre Braugher among others that makes it.
The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/12) – Each season has had a different feel based on where the cast is but I’m intrigued to see them back together and of course getting out of whatever fix they’re in since the live people are often more of a problem than the dead ones.
The 100 (CW, 10/22) – I keep giving these relatively cheesy CW shows a shot and this one, which is basically pretty people land on earth and so far run into pretty people who survived, but I’m often a sucker for that whole moralistic creating your own society and what’s really right, we’ll see if this season keeps me coming back.
Grimm (NBC, 10/24) – A procedural show of the not normal variety, in that there is a world of non humans among us, and while I wouldn’t say I love this show the characters and stories keep me coming back.
Elementary (CBS, 10/30) – I can’t watch this show at the same time as Sherlock because they’re so different in tone but I am down for seeing what our re-imagined Holmes and Watson get up to each week mostly because I like Miller and Liu.

Notable mention (those that are either a little uneven, a little passed their prime, or too fresh to see if I’m hooked): Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (ABC, 9/23), The Middle (ABC, 9/24), Bones (Fox, 9/25), Mom (CBS, 9/29)

And keep your love for a few of these shows on the back-burner until mid-season and beyond: The Americans, Cougar Town, Hannibal, Hart of Dixie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Justified, Lost Girl, Louie, The Mentalist, Orphan Black, Parks and Recreation

What are you most excited to see return?

new and noteworthy tv: 10/21-10/28

October 20, 2013 No Comments

Monday

Bar Hunters (Disc, 10pm) Series Premiere – Perfect location for a bar?

Tuesday

American Hoggers (A&E, 7pm) Season Premiere – Hiring some help.
Mother of All Talent (TVGN, 8pm) Series Premiere – Can they find the right stars and can they get them where they need to go?
Ravenswood (ABCF, 9pm) Series Premiere – The latest spin-off brings us to a town nearby to the Pretty Little Liar, filled with lots of drama you can be sure.
The Car Chasers (CNBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – More cars more locations.
American Daredevils (Hist, 10pm) Series Premiere – A look at the lives of stuntmen.
Chasing Nashville (Life, 10pm) Series Premiere – A look at four Appalachian teens trying to make it in Nashville.
Snooki & Jwoww (MTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – They’re apparently still making these.
Trust Me I’m a Game Show Host (TBS, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Hosts deceive in this comedic competition.

Wednesday

World Series (Fox, 4:30) – The baseball.
Restaurant: Impossible (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – Make over the meal makers.

Thursday

Restaurant Divided (Food, 10pm) Series Premiere – Rocco DiSpirito helps family restaurants.
Scrubbing In (MTV, 10pm) Series Premiere – A look at some nurses who leave home to help at understaffed hospitals.

Friday

Adam Devine’s House Party (Com, 12:30am) Series Premiere – Sketches and stand-up.
Gold Rush (Disc, 7pm) Season Premiere – Pay day?
The Carrie Diaries (CW, 8pm) Season Premiere – Meet Samantha Jones.
Styled to Rock (Brav, 8pm) Series Premiere – Rihanna works with wanna be rock stylists in this latest competition.
Grimm/Dracula (NBC, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Will our hero wake up from his slumber and then the latest look at our vampire pal, this time Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
Secret Princes (TLC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Four princes look for their princesses in Austin.
Strike Back (Cin, 10pm) Season Premiere – Action packed drama for the troubled special forces guy.

Saturday

Spooksville (Hub, 10pm) Series Premiere – Move in to a new town with some supernatural intrigue.

Sunday

The Governor’s Wife (A&E, 10pm) Series Premiere – A look at the former Louisiana governor and his young bride.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

returning fall favorites

September 17, 2013 No Comments

Some new stuff is a’coming but before we get caught up in the new shiny things here are some of the tried and true that I’m most looking forward to:

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/26) – This show is still good for a chuckle and the upping of the gal pals doesn’t hurt.
Elementary (CBS, 9/26) – Sherlock and Watson in a new modern day slant, I dig them and it.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/29) – Still one of my fave dramas, balancing good characters and story.
Grimm (NBC, 10/25) – Ghoul of the week in a fairy tale kind of way kept me coming back.
Hart of Dixie (CW) – Our big city doctor may not be all that revolutionary but sometimes you need a cute small town show.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League (FXX) – So wrong they’re right.
Luther (BBCA) – Ok this is basically already done but I love some Luther.
The Mentalist (CBS, 9/29) – Slightly odd no longer fake psychic still keeps me intrigued.
The Middle (ABC, 9/25) – Good ole middle American family comedy, under the radar but worth a look and a laugh.
The Mindy Project/New Girl (Fox, 9/17) – These ladies and their supporting casts both got a good stride last year.
Parenthood (NBC, 9/26) – The Braverman’s are always getting into some trouble or another, but I just want them all to be happy.
Parks & Recreation (NBC, 9/26) – When they’re on, this might be my favorite comedy on tv.
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/10) – Damn those MC guys can’t just chillax, lots of drama and conflict and lack of impulse control, all in the name of trying to make something or other right.
The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/13) – Zombie fun and what’s the right choice in the new world order?

Honorable Mention (aka still on the TiVo): Bones (Fox), Castle (ABC, 9/23) How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 9/23), Modern Family (ABC, 9/25).

What are you most looking forward to?

my schedule

October 17, 2012 No Comments

We’ll see if anything changes and I’m always pretending I’ll be a bit more ruthless with some cuts, but here’s where things are netting out for now.

Monday

8pm – How I Met Your Mother (CBS) / Bones (Fox)
10pm – Castle (ABC)

I’m kind of over all of these shows but feel dedicated to see them through for their resolution and still glimmers of my past appreciation.

Tuesday

8pm – Ben & Kate (Fox) / Hart of Dixie (CW)
9pm – Happy Endings/Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23 (ABC) / New Girl/The Mindy Project (Fox) / Go On/The New Normal (NBC)
10pm – Parenthood (NBC) / Vegas (CBS)

My biggest competitive slot at 9… Ben & Kate aren’t rock solid yet so we’ll see where it goes, but the rest of the funnies, assuming Endings and Apt 23 come back in good form, are pretty solid, capped off with some good family drama and a so far kind of intriguing Vegas.

Wednesday

8pm – The Middle/Suburgatory (ABC)
9pm – Modern Family (ABC)
10pm – Nashville (ABC)

More funny, and I’m only one in but enjoyed the drama of the Nashville songsters and the actual and subjective politics surrounding them and the pretty catchy tunes.

Thursday

8pm – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) / 30 Rock (NBC)
9pm – The Office/Parks & Rec (NBC)
10pm – Elementary (CBS)

When’s the last time I was enjoying so many comedies, though hoping Office will go out on a good note, and then the enjoyable latest iteration of Sherlock and Watson.

Friday

8pm – Community (NBC) / ANTM (CW)
9pm – Grimm (NBC)

So Community isn’t back yet, but whenever and wherever it hits I’ll check it, I have somehow been sucked back into ANTM hijinks, and still digging the silly and sometimes grisly weekly fairy tale mystery.

Saturday

Day of rest or frolic

Sunday

9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)
10pm – The Mentalist (CBS)

A good dramatic lineup to cap off the week with my favorite network drama Wife.

And still working in my less time slot specific cable entries of It’s Always Sunny (FX), The League (FX), Major Crimes (TNT), Sons of Anarchy (FX), The Walking Dead (AMC) and tentatively American Horror Story (Fx).

What’s in your queue?

returning fall favorites

August 23, 2012 No Comments

The fall season is starting to trickle in… Until we get the full lay of the land of the new stuff, let’s take a look at what I’m looking forward to that’s coming back.

Community (NBC, Oct 19) – They’re able to do a crazy good job with random theme episodes and ongoing arcs that leverage the characters as well as pop culture.
The Good Wife (CBS, Sept 30) – Still one of my favorite dramas, I am somehow interested in all the aspects of the people, cases, relationships and politics.
Happy Endings (ABC, Oct 23) – This is my fave buddy/relationship comedy as each of these characters have evolved into their own random peeps.
Hart of Dixie (CW, Oct 2) – My new favorite fluffy small town rom-com, I want to see if ~~Summer~~ Zoe is still rocking the shorts at her medical practice.
The Mentalist (CBS, Sept 30) – This procedural has maintained the most of my interest, mostly due to Simon Baker being a likable wackadoodle.
New Girl (Fox, Sept 25) – This show too had some growing pains in the first season but I like that Jess has found a better balance of innocence and reality and the supporting cast has become more well rounded.
Parenthood (NBC, Sept 11) – What will befall the Bravermans this season, they get into some stupid situations but usually treat them with the right amount of humor and heart.
Parks & Recreation (NBC, Sept 20) – I almost wanted this show to end with the council election because it was just so perfect but am thrilled to see the return of these misfit government workers.
Sons of Anarchy (FX, Sept 11) – Every season I wonder how Jax and the crew will get out of their latest fix and am eagerly anticipating their new season of good bad guys.
The Walking Dead (AMC, Oct 14) – I finally caught back up and am ready for a new season of relationships strained to the max as they fight for their survival of the zomb-pocalypse.

Honorable Mentions (On the TiVo): 30 Rock (NBC, Oct 4), The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Sept 27), Bones (Fox, Sept 17), Castle (ABC, Sept 24), Dexter (Show, Sept 30), Don’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23 (ABC, Oct 23), Grimm (NBC), Hot in Cleveland (TVL, Nov 28), How I Met Your Mother (CBS, Sept 24), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, Oct), The League (FX, Oct), The Middle (ABC, Sept 26), Modern Family (ABC, Sept 26), Suburgatory (ABC, Oct 17).

Debatable but may check in: American Horror Story (Fx, Oct), America’s Next Top Model (CW, Aug 24), Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Sept 26), The Office (NBC, Sept 20), The Voice (NBC, Sept 10).

Chime in with comments on what you’re looking forward to or other questions on returning faves.

Shows listed in alphabetical order and all premiere dates are of course subject to change.

1 2 Next »